Networking and Where to Get Involved in Savannah
The road to opportunity is paved with professional connections. Getting involved in various organizations advocating for positive growth in your creative and business-minded interests refines your abilities to enter a new stage of leadership. Savannah has some really incredible organizations with vibrant histories and tight-knit communities that have fun focusing on civic leadership and the latest trends in their fields.
The Creative Coast is Savannah’s entrepreneurial news board. The non-profit works to create a community built on shared interests in tech, logistics, and small business news. Their website features a routinely updated events calendar, a robust job board, and accessible educational opportunities. The Creative Coast works closely with the City of Savannah and the Savannah Economic Development Authority to create a community that cares about entrepreneurship and innovation.
South of Derenne Avenue (SODA)
The South of DeRenne Avenue might be the best networking opportunity in the city. It’s pretty simple: the organization hosts a monthly meeting at the Hilton Garden Inn in Midtown Savannah every month. Attendees can expect networking opportunities, great food, and an engaging lineup of rotating guest speakers.
If you’re looking for an organization to promote small business owners in the city, Buy Local is the place for you. The organization began in 1999, founded on the belief that supporting local stores strengthens the local economy. More than 150+ businesses now support the organization, leading to some great mixers and connection opportunities.
This is the place to go for entrepreneurs and executives participating in positively affecting the city’s economic culture and development. The Chamber is always a great resource for small business owners, but the group offers a wide range of connection opportunities for anyone working to influence the city to support the local economy.
The United Way of the Coastal Empire serves the Savannah area and beyond, including Bryan, Effingham and Liberty Counties. The organization primarily works to connect nonprofit programs to funding opportunities, but also gives you the time to give back to your community through volunteering. While it might not sound like the easiest way to connect, more than 3,000 people from some of the area’s top businesses routinely give their time to service projects in the area through the United Way.
Each organization offers a unique opportunity to meet different groups of people in a variety of backgrounds and fields, all with varying levels of experience and expertise. Shop around and find a group or two that really feels like community to you.